Toronto-based style advisor and television personality Afiya Francisco emphasizes the importance of treating readers as part of your overall style, not just as an afterthought. Think of having an “eyeglass wardrobe” – pieces in different shapes and finishes, which give you more options, especially for eveningwear. Francisco points to last week’s Grammys and a great pairing of dress and glasses. “I think that we collectively gasped when Teyana Taylor pulled out her glasses to read the teleprompter. [They were later ID’d as Meta Ray-Ban Display glasses.] They were so cool, gorgeous and impactful while perfectly complementing her dramatic evening look. The high-tech frames were also in a gorgeous taupey brown that I love both for its fashion edge and because it is universally flattering.
Find a signature style, is Francisco’s advice: “One statement piece that amps up casual looks and is appropriate for evening.” She made me realize that it is time to give up my drugstore readers habit. As Francisco gently told me, “When something serves a practical purpose, it can be difficult to see it beyond the service that it provides. But I suggest that you reframe it (no pun intended) to see glasses as a part of your wardrobe, and this may shift your perspective as to how to select your next pair.”
Readers from an optician are expensive, of course, but if you consider them a part of your overall look, that shifts the perspective. Rose Camilleri is an optician with IRIS Optometrists and Opticians in Langley, B.C. She puts it this way: “Women spend far more each year on their nails than their eyeglasses.” And of course, your eyes are the first thing someone sees about you.
How can a stylist, or an optician, help you choose the right pair? “When someone comes in,” says Camilleri, “a quick assessment tells me whether you are put together or sporty. Then we talk about where you spend most of your day – is it outside, at a desk, or do you work from home?” Choosing readers, she says, is like choosing a piece of jewellery. “It is a reflection of your personality.” Also consider comfort and practicality: for instance, a smart idea is to have a lighter pair for the work day so as not to weigh down your nose while you toil away at your keyboard, and save the often heavier-framed statement readers for Zoom calls and outward-facing events.
Face shape does matter, says Camilleri, but not as much as you think. Here are some basic rules: oval, square and diamond face shapes, which are balanced, can basically wear any style. For round faces, a heavier frame can add structure. For pear shapes, you want to draw the eye upward so consider a cat eye. And for heart shapes, you want to draw the eye downward, so maybe choose an aviator. Also: small glasses are challenging on a big head, and vice versa.
Camilleri says the retro trend in readers continues, as well as a return to ’90s oval shapes: think Hailey Bieber or Jennifer Anniston back in the day. As for colour, go wild, she says. “We expect to see a rise in more bold colors this year. While neutral tones such as blush, honey and sage are the trend, tortoiseshell will never go out of style.”
Asked for her two top picks for this year, Camilleri chose one for men and one for women (though glasses, especially readers, can be unisex): “I absolutely love the David Beckham collection for men. My favourite model is the DB-1018, a vintage style with a keyhole bridge.” And for women, “Who doesn’t love Gucci?” Her favourite style is a square wire frame Gucci, available in store but not yet on the Iris site.
Both experts agree the next trend in eyewear will be geometric shapes. “The angular shape of geometric frames packs a punch as they aren’t trying to ‘disappear’ from the face, as was the intent of some styles from the past,” says Francisco. “They are as interesting as any piece of jewellery or accessory and should be treated as an intentional fashion piece.”
Her picks for the season encompass all the key trends, such as these striking retro Vivienne Westwood’s in a soft taupe; and for a big entrance, these pre-maximalist Elton John Eyewear geometric gold thin-rimmed glasses called Scholar, inspired by his years at the Royal Academy of Music
For straight-off-the-internet ordering fun, I am considering these Mabuhay gold-tinted aviator readers from Caddis, a bit of a sleeker update on Gwyneth’s ski trial phenomenon, but still perfect for après-ski or beach vacation reading purposes. I’m also a fan of these retro Wabi Sabi frames (think ’50s nerd), also from Caddis. Or head to Toronto’s playful and delightful store, Good Neighbour, to pick out a pair in person.
And, if you want to try some true “out of comfort zone” new styles, you can do one of my own quick-and-dirty orders off Instagram, where you get a six-pack of bold and brightly coloured (neon pink, green, blue) readers for $49 to play around with different looks. These are not chic enough to be taken out of the home however, but are the perfect way to focus your style (pun intended) before investing in a true signature pair of less throw-away quality. After all, life is too short to wear reading glasses on your head. Treat your glasses like your favourite jewellery and show them the love.
Always asking questions,
—Leanne Delap
